Asia-Pacific

US Fed sees economic activity gaining momentum

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-01-07 04:53
Large Medium Small

WASHINGTON: The US Federal Reserve (Fed) policymakers saw "the recovery in economic activity was gaining momentum," but labor market remained a major concern, according to documents released Wednesday.

Minutes of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), the Fed's monetary policy decision meeting, held on December 15-16, showed that Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke and his colleagues saw more positive signs about the economy's prospects compared with an assessment made in November.

The Fed said that "industrial production sustained the broad- based expansion that began in the third quarter."

Related readings:
US Fed sees economic activity gaining momentum US sees yearend surge in M&A activities
US Fed sees economic activity gaining momentum Economy will drive workout habits in new year: US poll
US Fed sees economic activity gaining momentum US moves to place new duties on steel from China

Consumer spending expanded solidly in October, reflecting in part a faster pace of motor vehicle sales. Sales of new homes and existing homes increased significantly in recent months.

The Fed said that the pace of job losses slowed noticeably in recent months, and total hours worked increased in November, " however, the unemployment rate remained quite elevated."